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easy recipes

Copycat Twix Candy Bar

July 9, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

I’ve confessed this secret before, but I need to say it again — I, in general, do not like chocolate. I know, I know! What kind of person doesn’t like chocolate?! Well, me… mostly. The one and only type of chocolate I will always say yes to is a sweet and salty combination. Enter Twix. I still remember the first time I had a Twix candy bar. It was Halloween. And it was love at first bite. The crumbly, salty, shortbread cookie, creamy caramel, mixed with the milk chocolate? Absolute heaven. To this day, it’s one of only a couple of candy bars that I will always, always eat (I’m looking at you, too, Payday!). If you like caramel and shortbread, you must try this Copycat Twix Candy Bar recipe.

Copycat Twix Candy Bar

What you’ll need for this recipe

I’m such a huge fan of shortbread. It’s easy and so delicious. And it’s a classic treat. The homemade shortbread in these Copycat Twix Candy Bars is the key to its deliciousness.

Copycat Twix Candy Bar

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • a stick of salted butter
  • granulated sugar
  • all-purpose flour
  • vanilla extract
  • caramel baking pieces
  • heavy cream
  • chocolate chips
  • coconut oil

Just a few ingredients and you’ll have the most delicious treat!

Copycat Twix Candy Bar

Yield: 14 bars

Copycat Twix Bars

Copycat Twix Candy Bar
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons of salted butter
  • 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces of caramel baking pieces
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of heavy cream
  • 2 cups of chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Set your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, cut two sheets of parchment 8x16 and layer them perpendicular in the pan.
  2. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.
  3. Mix in the vanilla extract and flour until the dough forms.


  4. Spread the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  5. Cook for 18 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
  6. Let it cool. Once completely cooled, cut the short bread into 1 x 4 inch bars. You'll need to use a very sharp knife and move slowly to prevent cracking/breaking.
  7. While the crust is cooling, melt the caramel pieces in the microwave. Combine caramel and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl, and heat in 30-second intervals until fully melted and smooth.

  8. Add the cooled caramel to piping bag and then pipe the caramel onto the top of the cookie bars.
  9. Cool the bars for 30 minutes, until the caramel firms.
  10. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave. Stir until the mixture turns smooth, then allow it to cool. 

  11. Place the chilled bars on a baking rack over parchment.
  12. Spoon the melted chocolate over each bar until fully coated.
  13. Let the chocolate harden before refrigerating or freezing the bars. 
  14. ENJOY!

Notes

Store Copycat Twix bars in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.

© Rachel

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COPYCAT TWIX BAR
COPYCAT TWIX

Filed Under: Copycat Recipes, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: Copycat Recipes, easy recipes, recipes

Instant Pot Potato Salad

July 3, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Have you ever committed to bringing something to a party or cookout and then completely forgotten about it? *Raises hand* I have done this several times. In those moments when I’m in a pinch, I need one thing — an easy AND delicious cookout side I can throw together in a hurry. This Instant Pot Potato Salad recipe is both easy and delicious.

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Why use the Instant Pot?

I get asked this question a lot. For me, the Instant Pot serves a dual purpose. First, they are quick. Second, you can use an Instant Pot for almost anything! In this particular scenario, the Instant Pot comes in handy because the entire dish takes about 20 minutes to cook. So even if you’re not bringing the potato salad to a last minute picnic, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need to throw something together in a pinch. If you haven’t purchased an Instant Pot, you can find my favorite here.

Instant Pot Potato Salad

What you’ll need to make Instant Pot Potato Salad

Besides your Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker, like a Chef IQ), you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 8 potatoes
  • water
  • salt
  • 4 eggs
  • white onion
  • mayo
  • mustard
  • pepper
  • paprika
  • dill

That’s it! As I mention in the recipe below, you may want to add more paprika, dill, and salt at the end. My kids prefer the potato salad a little more bland, as where I prefer a lot of paprika and dill.

Instant Pot Potato Salad

How to make Instant Pot Potato Salad

Yield: 8

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Instant Pot Potato Salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ white onion
  • 1.5 cup of mayo
  • 1 tablespoon of mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 2 tablespoon of dill

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Peel and cube potatoes into 1-2 inch cubes.
  2. Place the potatoes in the instant pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes. Add salt. 
  3. Place the eggs in the instant pot on top of potatoes and close the lid. Make sure the pressure value is set to close.
  4. Set the instant pot to pressure cook for zero minutes on high pressure.
  5. Chop onion to desired size.
  6. Mix onions, mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, and paprika to combine.

  7. Once the instant pot is done cooking, safely release the pressure by opening the pressure value using a towel or hot pad.
  8. Remove the eggs and soak in ice water. Peel and chop the eggs once cooled (after about 5 minutes of ice water soak).
  9. Drain the potatoes from the water and place back into instant pot. 
  10. Add eggs, mayonnaise mixture, and dill to the potatoes in Instant Pot.
  11. Mix until combined.
  12. Add salt to taste.
  13. ENJOY!
    Instant Pot Potato Salad

Notes

I prefer a bit more paprika and dill, but I make it this way because of my kids' preference. So add more paprika and/or dill as you'd like!

© Rachel

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PIN FOR LATER - INSTANT POT POTATO SALAD

Filed Under: easy recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, recipes Tagged With: easy recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, recipes

Copycat Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

June 27, 2024 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Have you ever had a snack that reminded you of your childhood? We didn’t have a lot of packaged foods in my house growing up. In fact, we rarely had any snacks other than tortilla chips and salsa. True story! Don’t get me wrong; I wasn’t a sheltered child. Hardly! Even if my mom didn’t buy those types of snacks, I had them at my friends houses. And that’s how Hostess Cupcakes became one of my favorite childhood ‘special’ snacks. So making this Copycat Hostess Cupcakes Recipe was a bit of nostalgia with a dash of delicious! And you absolutely must try them for yourself.

Copycat Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

Why I Made This Copycat Recipe

Don’t get me wrong — there is nothing wrong with the OG Hostess packaged cupcakes. NOTHING! But if you’ve never had the chance to recreate a favorite recipe, you’re missing out. Sure, the packaged stuff has something we can’t recreate (a little staleness that is, IMO, part of its appeal). But this copycat recipe has homemade ganache!

What you’ll need for this recipe

First things first — do not be intimidated by the amount of ingredients in this recipe. Sure, it seems like a lot. But it is truly easier than it looks.

Here are the ingredients you’ll want to have on-hand:

  • flour
  • sugar
  • cocoa powder
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • 1 egg
  • milk
  • vegetable oil
  • vanilla extract
  • water
  • butter
  • powdered sugar
  • marshmallow creme
  • semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • heavy whipping cream
Copycat Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

Be sure to check the recipe below for the the exact amounts needed. Some of these ingredients are used in several stages of the recipe. But the only special tool you may need is a cupcake corer, which you can find here. If you don’t have a cupcake corer, you can use a small teaspoon to scoop out the top of the cupcake. Additionally, if you do not have a piping bag, you can use a sandwich bag and cut the corner for that step of the process.

Copycat Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

Yield: 18

Copycat Hostess Cupcakes

Copycat Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

This copycat recipe is equal parts nostalgia and delicious!

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

Cupcake Ingredients

  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 6 Tablespoon of cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup of milk
  • ½ cup of vegetable oil
  • ¾ teaspoon of vanilla
  • ½ cup of hot water

Marshmallow Cream Filling Ingredients

  • ¼ cup of butter, softened
  • ½ cup of powdered sugar
  • 5 ounces of marshmallow creme

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients

  • 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 6 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream

Vanilla Icing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon of unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of milk
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

Ingredients

  1. Set oven to 300°F and ready a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. In a large bowl, combine and mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda. Then set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix egg, milk, oil, sugar and vanilla.
  4. Mix wet ingredients into dry ones until fully combined.
  5. Add water and mix well until the batter is thin.
  6. Fill the cupcake liners a little more than halfway and bake for 18-23 mins (or until a toothpick comes out with only a few wet crumbs).
  7. Cool for 2 minutes in the pan and then move to a wire rack to fully cool.
  8. Start the marshmallow cream in a separate bowl: Beat ¼ cup of butter until smooth. Then add half of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  9. Add the remaining sugar and mix until smooth.
  10. Blend in the marshmallow creme.
  11. Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut the cupcake centers using a cupcake corer or small spoon.
  12. Add the marshmallow cream to a piping bag and add about a tablespoon of filling to the cupcake center then replace top part of the cupcake.

  13. To make the ganache: Add chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream to a small bowl, microwave for 30 seconds, then let sit for 1 minute before mixing together to form the ganache frosting.

  14. Dip the top of the cupcakes into the ganache once, letting it drip, and then dip and drip for a second time to coat the top of the cupcake. Set the cupcake aside to allow the ganache to firm.
  15. While the ganache firms, make vanilla icing in a separate bowl: Beat 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar to the bowl and mix until lumpy.
  16. Add the milk and vanilla to the butter/powdered sugar mixture. Mix until smooth and firm.
  17. Add the frosting to a piping bag with a small hole.
  18. Practice piping loops onto an extra cupcake or onto a flat surface.Pipe icing loops on top of cupcakes. Refrigerate before serving.
  19. ENJOY!
© Rachel

If you’re looking for more incredible copycat recipes, check out this kid-approved Copycat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets recipe and this Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream recipe.

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Filed Under: Copycat Recipes, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: Copycat Recipes, easy recipes, recipes

Easy Sausage Corn Dog Bites

November 7, 2023 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Well it’s officially Fall. And our schedules aren’t any less busy than they were a few months ago. Heck, at this point, I am certain our schedules will never be less busy. Well, not at least until these kiddos are grown. So for now we will do all of the easy meals. These easy sausage corn dog bites check all of the boxes for our busy (and picky!) family.

Easy Sausage Corn Dog Bites

Why use an air fryer?

The two greatest culinary inventions (well, at least for busy parents) are the Instant Pot and the air fryer. I know some folks will disagree and say that the crockpot or slow cooker reigns supreme, but a slow cooker can’t make dinner in minutes. And that’s why these two cooking gadgets win the prize.

Time is a hot commodity for everyone. I would argue that it’s especially true for parents. Between working, school work, extracurriculars, and whatever else families have going on, they need dinner as quickly as possible.

What you’ll need

My alternate title to this recipe would be “Four Ingredient Kid-Friendly Dinner.” This super easy, super delicious recipe consists of four simple ingredients. All you’ll need is the following:

  • 2 boxes of jiffy cornbread mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 – 13 ounce package of sausage: andouille or kielbasa

That’s it. Easy peasy. And truly an ‘in-a-pinch’ recipe you can throw together on a busy weeknight.

Easy Sausage Corn Dog Bites Recipe

Yield: 12

Sausage Corn Dog Bites

Sausage Corn Dog Bites
Prep Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 boxes of jiffy cornbread mix
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 - 13 ounce package of sausage: andouille or kielbasa

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. In a mixing bowl, add the jiffy mix, eggs, and milk. Mix well until the batter is smooth. 

    While the box mix lists 1/3 cup milk per box, I like to add a little extra as it creates a less dense result.  
  2. Slice the sausage into 1” pieces.  
  3. Place each sausage piece into a cupcake liner.
  4. Pour cornbread mix into the liner until sausage is just barely covered.  
  5. Place liners in air fryer basket and cook at 325°f for 10 minutes.  
  6. Remove and let cool before serving.
      
  7. ENJOY!
© Rachel

If you’re looking for more easy recipes, head to my “easy recipes” tab. Kid-approved, mom on a time crunch friendly, and ALL are delicious.

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Filed Under: air fryer recipes, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: air fryer, easy recipes, recipes

Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe

March 27, 2023 by Rachel 6 Comments

As we get further into this school year, our mornings have become increasingly chaotic. Between bathing, clothing, and feeding all three kids, we are often barely to school on time. I try to get my kids to eat something — anything! — before school starts. Some days are easier than others. One of the problems we have run into is that my kids just don’t really like traditional Pop Tarts. Enter the Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe. My kids are obsessed! And I think your kids will be, too!

Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe

What You’ll Need

In my opinion, traditional pop tarts really lack because of the dry pastry crust. Thankfully these unicorn pop tarts do not have that problem. I make these using refrigerated pie crusts, like these Pillsbury crusts. The other trick to creating these delicious, flaky pop tarts, is to use your air fryer. YES! Pop tarts in the air fryer will cook these to perfection.

Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe

Here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 15 ounces of pie crusts (equivalent to 2 crusts), store bought or homemade
  • blue food coloring
  • pink food coloring
  • any flavor of jelly preserves
  • powdered sugar
  • milk
  • an egg
  • a heart cookie cutter
  • and sprinkles!

Be sure to play around with different jelly preserves, food coloring, and sprinkles!

Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe

Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe

Unicorn Pop Tarts

Unicorn Pop Tart Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes

Ingredients

  • 15 oz of pie crusts (equivalent to 2 crusts), store bought or homemade
  • 3 drops blue food coloring
  • 5 ounces jelly preserves total, any flavor (I used strawberry)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 TBSP milk (you may add more if you like your icing to be a thinner consistency)
  • 2 drops pink food coloring
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 4 tablespoons mixture of pink and purple sprinkles
  • 1 heart cookie cutter

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  • On one of the heart-shaped crust, take 1 tablespoon of your jelly preserves, and place it in the middle. Spread it out evenly on the heart shape. Make sure to leave room around the edges.
  • Taking your finger, dip it in the egg wash, and evenly spread the egg wash around the edges surrounding the jelly.
  • Place another heart shaped pie crust on top of the other heart with the jelly on it. Using a fork press down the edges creating a seal. 
  • Using a kitchen brush, dip it in the egg wash and top the rest of your heart shape with the egg wash.
  • Using a fork, or toothpick, poke about 6 to 8 holes in the top of your top layer pastry.
  • Depending on the size of your air fryer, place as many pastry hearts in your air fryer that will fit without interfering with the shape of the pastry.
  • Cook your pop tart at 370° for 7 minutes. Once the timer is done, open your air fryer, and flip your pop tarts. Continue to cook at 370° for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is reached a soft brown color.
  • Remove from the air fryer, and transfer to a cooling rack.
  • While your pastries are cooling, mix together your powdered sugar, milk, and pink food coloring (you can add more or less depending on the color of food coloring you prefer). You can choose to add more powdered sugar if you like your icing thicker, or more milk if you like your icing thinner. 
  • Drizzle your icing over your pop tart and add your sprinkles while your frosting is still wet.
  • Allow them to cool and the frosting to harden, and then enjoy!
  • © Rachel

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    Filed Under: air fryer recipes, Copycat Recipes, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: air fryer, Copycat Recipes, easy recipes, recipes

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast

    March 7, 2023 by Rachel 6 Comments

    Delicious meals don’t have to be difficult. In fact, they shouldn’t be. Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe is a great way to cook a smaller amount of turkey that turns out perfectly tender and moist in just 45 minutes — without the hassle of the oven.

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast

    Why use an air fryer?

    As noted above, the primary reason for using an air fryer is that you won’t have to heat up the whole oven. Additionally, the air fryer is just plain ol’ efficient. If you’re still in the market for an air fryer, my two favorites are this one and this one.

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast

    What You’ll Need

    There are just six simple ingredients with this recipe. You’ll need only the following:

    • 2 pounds turkey breast (with skin)
    • 4 Tablespoons of butter, melted
    • 1 Tablespoon of sea salt
    • 1 Tablespoons of fresh peppercorn, ground well
    • 2 Tablespoon of garlic, minced
    • 4 sprigs thyme, remove from stem

    I would add that the ‘optional’ ingredients would be things to enhance your turkey breast. Whether that be a good turkey gravy or cranberry sauce, you won’t be disappointed!

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast

    If you are looking for a post-turkey dessert, be sure to check out this Instant Pot Peach Cobbler.

    The Full Recipe

    Yield: 3-4

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast

    Air Fryer Turkey Breast
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 50 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds turkey breast (with skin)
    • 4 Tablespoons of butter, melted
    • 1 Tablespoon of sea salt
    • 1 Tablespoons of fresh peppercorn, ground well
    • 2 Tablespoon of garlic, minced
    • 4 sprigs thyme, remove from stem

    Instructions

    INGREDIENTS -

    1. Melt your butter in the microwave or on a double broiler on the stove. 
    2. Once melted, add in the sea salt, peppercorn, garlic, and thyme. Mix.
    3. Using a basting brush, brush your butter mix on the top and bottom of the turkey breast. 
    4. Place the turkey breast in your air fryer. 
    5. Set your Air Fryer to 375 degrees F for 45 minutes. 
    6. At the halfway mark of about 22/23 minutes, flip the breast with tongs. Continue to cook. 
    7. Once the air fryer has finished cooking, cut and serve! 
    8. Top with cranberry sauce, gravy, or eat as is! Enjoy!
    © Rachel

    Filed Under: air fryer recipes, easy recipes, recipes Tagged With: air fryer, easy recipes, recipes

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